Your armor is more than just a piece of protective gear—it’s your first line of defense against danger. But like anything you rely on, it needs regular care to stay strong and ready for action.  

If you’re heading into the heat of a war, a well-maintained suit of armor ensures both your safety and peace of mind. In this guide, we'll show you the simple steps to keep your armor in top condition, from regular inspections to basic maintenance tips.  

Why Proper Armor Maintenance Matters?  

Armor is your first line of defense, and neglect can lead to diminished ballistic protection, structural failure, or hidden damage. Everyday exposure to sweat, dust, and environmental elements can degrade fibers in soft armor and corrode hard plates, reducing their effectiveness. 

Regular armor maintenance helps identify small issues before they become serious, like hairline cracks, rust spots, or fraying seams—and addresses them before they compromise safety.  

It also prolongs the life of your equipment, delaying costly replacements. In high-stakes situations, properly maintained armor ensures you’re protected when it matters most. 

Moreover, scheduled armor inspections are often required by compliance standards. Routine care through cleaning, storage, and inspection keeps your armor ready, reliable, and within regulatory guidelines.  

Types of Armor & Specific Care Needs  

Understanding how to care for armor starts with knowing the differences between types. Soft armor and hard plates each demand specific routines. 

Soft armor, often made of PE or similar fibers, is flexible and designed to stop handgun rounds. It absorbs moisture easily, and repeated bending or folding weakens its layers.  

If you’ve ever worn it under pressure or heat, you’ve probably noticed how quickly sweat soaks through. It’s one of the biggest threats to performance over time. To reduce wear, air it out immediately after use and store it flat. 

Hard armor is more rugged but still more vulnerable. Ceramic plates may crack even if no damage is visible. Poly plates warp under heat. Steel can corrode the edges where coatings wear off. After intense drills or real-world operations, minor drops or impacts can leave behind invisible flaws. 

Label checks are vital. Manufacturers include dates, models, and care instructions for a reason. 

Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedures 

Cleaning armor isn’t complicated—but do it wrong, and you’ll shorten its lifespan fast. 

1. Soft Armor Cleaning:
  

Remove the ballistic panels from the carrier. Wipe them gently with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Never soak them. Never toss them in the washer. And never wring them out. Let them air-dry completely, flat, out of direct sunlight. The carrier can be hand-washed separately or, if approved by the manufacturer, machine-washed gently. 

After a long deployment or training session, this process matters.  

2. Hard Plate Cleaning:
  

Wipe down ceramic or polyethylene plates with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbing. For steel, be alert to edge corrosion. If the coating starts to flake, moisture gets in. Dry them fully after cleaning—especially near seams and corners. 

3. Final Check:
  

After cleaning, inspect the panels and plates. Look for soft spots, delamination, edge separation, and signs of cracking.  

Routine Inspection Checklist  

Inspections should happen before every year and monthly at minimum. Here’s what to check: 

• Ballistic panels: Are there wrinkles, bubbles, or soft areas? 

• Hard plates: Any hairline cracks, warping, or edge damage? 

• Carrier: Is stitching intact? Are hook-and-loop fasteners secure? 

• Label info: Still legible? Expiration date valid? 

For field gear, also check the shape. If plates no longer sit flush or ride high, they’re shifting in the carrier or degraded. That reduces coverage, which means reduced protection. 

Smart Storage & Handling Strategies  

Armor wears out even when not in use—especially if stored wrong. 

• Hang or lay flat. Never fold or crumple soft armor. 

• Keep it dry. Basements, cars, and garages often trap moisture. Bad news for fabric and steel. 

• Use a padded hanger for vests. Avoid sharp hooks. 

• Protect from light. UV weakens aramid fibers. 

When & How to Repair or Replace Armor?

Some parts of your armor setup can be fixed. Others cannot. 

Repairable: 

• Carrier tears 

• Strap or buckle damage 

• Velcro wear 

Not Repairable: 

• Ballistic panel rips 

• Cracked or delaminated plates 

• Separated seams or bulges 

Only use manufacturer-approved methods. Stitching a tear through a ballistic panel is worse than not repairing it at all.  

Replacement Guidelines: 

• Soft armor: every 5 years (or sooner if damaged) 

• Hard plates: up to 10 years (less if cracked or heavily used) 

Manufacturer Guidelines & NIJ Standards 

Manufacturers set standards for care, wear, and replacement. 

Check the tag on every panel and plate. It lists: 

• Model number 

• NIJ compliance level 

• Expiration date 

• Cleaning and care notes 

NIJ (National Institute of Justice) sets the performance standard. If it’s not NIJ-listed, don’t trust it. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid  

• Don’t wash ballistic inserts in a machine. 

• Don’t fold or sit on armor. 

• Don’t store it wet—or in hot cars. 

• Don’t skip inspections. 

• Don’t trust armor past its expiration date. 

• Don’t ignore small cracks or wear signs. 

Conclusion 

Taking the time to maintain and inspect your armor properly is not just about preserving its appearance; it’s about ensuring your safety and readiness. Regular checks, cleaning, and simple repairs can significantly extend the life of your gear, making sure it’s there to protect you when it counts the most. Remember, your armor is an investment, and with the right care, it can serve you faithfully for years to come. 

At Redemption Tactical, we understand the importance of quality armor that you can trust in any situation. If you’re looking to upgrade your gear or need expert advice on maintaining your armor, then explore our wide range of durable, high-performance armor designed for your safety and peace of mind.  

Shop now from us and stay protected for whatever comes your way! 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How often should I inspect my armor?
A: Before every use. Full inspection at least once a month. 

Q: What’s the best way to clean soft armor?
A: Hand-wipe with mild soap. Never soak or machine wash. Air-dry flat. 

Q: Can I store my armor in my vehicle?
A: No. High heat and humidity cause damage—even if it looks fine. 

Q: When should I replace my armor?
A: Check the expiration date. Replace soft armor at 5 years max, plates at 10. Damage = replace now. 

Q: Can I fix damaged hard plates?
A: No. If they’re compromised, retire them immediately. 

Q: Is expired armor still usable for training?
Possibly—for dry runs only. Never trust expired armor with real threats.